What to Look for When Choosing in-Home Memory Care Services

There are plenty of benefits for deciding to choose home care over institutionalized care for aging adults. This is especially true when it comes to those who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Short-term memory is usually what is initially affected by these conditions. Unfamiliar surroundings, like a nursing home or assisted living community can sometimes add to the confusion and fear many memory care patients experience as part of their conditions.

In-home memory care helps to reduce those moments for patients who have lived in their homes for many years. Before you decide to choose in-home memory care services for your loved one, though, it's a good idea to learn a little more about the services provided. Here's what you want to find.

Social Proof of Recommendations from Trusted Sources

Study reviews of the agency's memory care services from people who have had experience with the in-home memory care provider you're considering. Read the reviews to make sure you are comfortable entrusting your loved one with the service. Another option is to reach out to your nearest Alzheimer's chapter to ask for recommendations. You can find your local chapter by visiting the Alzheimer's Association website.

Ask Questions During the Interview Process

While there are specific questions you may have about the type of care provided, you also need to ask questions specific to the memory care services available. For instance, you want to ask about things like:

• Do they include music and art therapies in their memory care planning?
• Do they encourage physical activities to stimulate blood flow to the brain? What types?
• What types of mental exercises do they engage in with their patients?
• How important are routines to their memory care services?
• How will they specialize their care for the individual needs of your loved one?

These questions are as critical as questions about the memory care training and education staff receive as well as how frequently home care visits are offered. Another question you might want to ask, especially since consistent routines are so vital for memory care patients, is about staff turnover.

While you definitely want to make sure your loved one is positioned well to thrive with in-home memory care services, you also want to have confidence that you're placing your trust in a service that is equipped and prepared to offer the best possible outcome for your loved one's memory care treatment. The right memory care services can help delay the progression of the illness, increase periods of lucidity, and give families the precious gift of more moments, at the moment, with their loved one.